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The Importance of Gum Health: Understanding Periodontal Disease

The Importance of Gum Health: Understanding Periodontal Disease

Gum health is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It typically begins with gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the gums and bone supporting the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Some Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking and Tobacco Use
  • Genetic factors
  • Certain medications
  • Underlying health conditions such as diabetes

Signs and Symptoms

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Persisten bad breath
  • Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth

Complications of Untreated Periodontal Disease

  • Increased risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes
  • Toothloss
  • Jawbone deterioration
  • Significant impact on quality of life

Prevention and Treatment:

  • Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing and interproximal care between the teeth with floss, proxabrushes or softpicks
  • Regular dental checkups and hygiene maintenance
  • Balanced Diet
  • Avoiding tobacco
  • Managing underlying health conditions

If diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may recommend professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or surgical interventions to restore gum health and prevent further damage.

Gum health is a cornerstone of overall wellness, and understanding periodontal disease is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and body. By prioritizing oral hygiene, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking timely dental care, you can safeguard your gums and reduce your risk of gum disease and its associated complications. Remember, your smile is worth protecting, so invest in your gum health today for a brighter tomorrow!

Oral Changes Associated with Tobacco Use

Oral Changes Associated with Tobacco Use

The evidence is overwhelming that smoking contributes to periodontal disease and that continued smoking results in a reduced response to periodontal treatment. There is a greater amount of bone loss around teeth in smokers and individuals who smoke are more likely to lose teeth than nonsmokers. It is reported that more than half of advanced gum disease can be linked to tobacco use.

Nicotinic Stomatitis
In nicotinic stomatitis, the hard palate (roof of the mouth- pictured above) appears white instead of pink, and numerous, small raised areas with red centers are found throughout the palate. These red areas are irritated minor salivary glands whose duct openings are inflamed in response to the heat from tobacco products. This lesion is most commonly seen in older male tobacco users who smoke pipes but it also can be found in cigar and cigarette smokers.

There is an increased risk for cancer of the tonsils, posterior mouth, and lungs in individuals who develop nicotinic stomatitis from their tobacco use. However, if the individual stops their tobacco use, the appearance of hard palate typically returns to normal within a few weeks.

Gum Grafting Can Improve Your Oral Health – Here’s How!

Gum Grafting Can Improve Your Oral Health – Here’s How!

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision.

How 3-D Technology is Revolutionizing Implant Dentistry for Patients

How 3-D Technology is Revolutionizing Implant Dentistry for Patients

Here at Britten Periodontics, as a periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Todd Britten wants to ensure his dental implant patients have the best care possible using the latest technology available. By using advanced 3-D technology, Dr. Britten explains that he is able to obtain and review high-quality images for dental implant planning and even create a 3-D printed surgical guide.

When a patient is ready for a dental implant, Dr. Britten explains the first step is often to take a 3-D CT scan. Dr. Britten said he invested in a scanner that is both comfortable for patients, but provides high quality images at the lowest radiation levels possible. “The PAX-i3D Green is a digital imaging system that provides multiple views of a patient’s jaw and mouth. A 3-D digital scan can now be taken at the same visit in place of a tradition dental impression.” We have a Medit i-700 scanner, making the scanning experience for our patients comfortable and easy. This digital impression can be done at the same visit as the CT scan.

What is a Dental Implant?

While regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can’t keep up. If you’ve lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium (the same material used in many replacement hips and knees), a metal that is well suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

The ideal candidate for implants is a non­-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

9th Annual Veteran’s Day Event

On November 3rd, we held our 9th Annual Veteran’s Day of Care! Thank you to our very deserving veterans, our dedicated team, and the generous local restorative dentists for participating every year. Special thanks to Dr. Neal Solar, Dr. Blayne Gumm, Dr. Ted Chamberlain and Dr. Matthew Burton for your restorative care this year! And special thanks to Dr. Keith Kiskaddon for providing continuous care to several of our vets over the years!

Thanks to our office manager Michelle for being this year’s photographer, the decorations (& lovely flower bouquet), keeping our team well-fed on Friday, and the for the favors our vets from Nothing Bundt Cake!

This is an event that fills our hearts 💕 and that we look forward to every year!

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